Leroy Robert Postel

Leroy R. Postel, 95, of Martinsville, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Grand Valley Health & Rehabilitation. He was a dad extraordinaire, genealogist, casino aficionado, woodworker, golfer, grandpa, and beloved community volunteer. He will be deeply missed.

Leroy was born April 18, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, to Rose (Jarotkiewicz) and Leo Postelanczyk. The only son, Leroy, had 2 younger sisters, Elaine (Vallowe), and Joan (Guzzo). Leroy attended St. Helen's Grade School, Holy Trinity High School, and De Paul University. He served his country in the Navy Air Reserves out of Glenview Naval Air Station, Chicago, Illinois.

Leroy married his beloved Elfrieda "Fritzi" (Gruss) on September 29, 1951. Working for the Hartford Fire Insurance Company along Chicago's Michigan Avenue, he was transferred to Indiana as a farm special agent in 1955. What a change! The couple moved to Martinsville, with two kids in tow, and became very active in the community. A lifetime of service, Leroy served as co-president of the Poston Road Booster Club, volunteered with Meals on Wheels into his 80s, served on the Fall Foliage Festival Committee, was a 50-year member and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and Secretary of the Martinsville Noon Lions Club. Leroy also served as a Marshal at the Senior PGA Tournaments at the Brickyard for 10 years and worked as a ticket seller at the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 races.

The Postels attended St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Both sang in the church choir. Leroy was President of the Board of Education, President of the Cemetery Association and served on the Building Committee for Sexton Hall.

As the family expanded to five kids, Leroy could often be found in his favorite recliner, relishing family and holiday gatherings, popcorn in hand- a game in the background. Always, the sounds of song, conversation and laughter in the air. "Who lives better?" he'd ask.

Traveling was a passion. Leroy and Fritzi truly enjoyed driving, listening to books-on-tapes, and meeting new friends. For over a dozen years, they spent winters as snowbirds in Green Valley, Arizona, with eldest daughter Sandy. Family genealogy was a favorite hobby; he reconstructed five generations of family history, and marveled at a trip of a lifetime thru Poland.

Leroy is preceded in death by Fritzi, his beloved wife of 73 years. He is survived by sons, Chris Postel, Michael Postel (Kim); daughters, Sandy Postel, Tracy Postel (Lynn), Pattie Postel (Jeanne); grandchildren, Ryan Postel (Stephanie), Brandon Postel (Allison), Eric Postel (Alexandra), Sarah Postel; and four great grandchildren, Emerson, Logan, Austin and Everly.

The family is especially grateful to Deacon Tim for his long friendship, spiritual comfort and Gin Rummy skills. The family offers deep gratitude to the Grand Valley and Keystone Hospice staffs, especially the generous nurses and aides who helped him with daily activities, sharing both stories and laughter. Thank you each for your kind care in his final years. Somewhere in the Universe, a polka band is playing, and Fritzi & Leroy are again dancing.

Visitation will be Monday, February 16, 2026 at Costin Funeral Chapel from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. There will be a Rosary at 6:45 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 1709 East Harrison Street, Martinsville, Indiana with Father Steve Giannini officiating. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the mass.

Burial will be at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food pantry or Meals on Wheels.